Kylian Mbappe hit by knee sprain in setback for Real Madrid

Real Madrid announced on Wednesday that Kylian Mbappe has picked up a knee sprain, which hampers their push to close the gap on La Liga frontrunners Barcelona.

"After the tests carried out today on our player Kylian Mbappe by Real Madrid's medical services, he was diagnosed with a sprain in his left knee. Awaiting evolution," the club stated.

The club offered no details on how long the 27 year old forward might be sidelined, though a source near the French talisman shared with AFP that he faces at least three weeks on the sidelines.

Mbappe thus looks set to miss Sundays home La Liga clash with Real Betis, the teams first outing after the winter pause while they sit four points adrift of Barcelona.

He may also sit out the Spanish Super Cup semifinal versus rivals Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia on January 8, along with a La Liga game against Levante and a Champions League tie against his previous side Monaco.

Mbappe has had an outstanding 2025, tying Cristiano Ronaldos club mark of 59 goals in a single year, and he has frequently shouldered the burden for Real Madrid, taking some heat off struggling manager Xabi Alonso.